A/N: Well this chapter marks the reappearance of Drew and Darla- we've given them a bit of a storyline and we hope you all enjoy seeing them some more! Ethan and Maddie's big anniversary date is also in here ;)
Also- be sure and check out the Sims page- we've updated with some more Sims and the links to the download sites where we get our downloads from. And as always- please review! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
"Hey Luna?" Ron called out to his wife. "When did Drew and Darla say they were arriving?" his twin daughters were coming in for a few days and as he hadn't seen them for quite awhile, he was rather looking forward to it.
"Around noon," Luna replied, coming into the kitchen. "I thought you were making lunch, not eating all of it."
"Uh--this sandwich is for you," Ron said sheepishly pushing the plate her way. "Just like you like it."
Luna smiled at him and pecked him on the lips. "You're very sweet."
"Thanks," Ron said beaming at her. "So did Drew say anything about Paul coming with? I saw that last match of his and he seemed a bit off..."
"Not to me she didn't," Luna poured herself a glass of pumpkin juice and got her husband a butterbeer. "But it's been a few weeks since I got an owl from her."
"They're probably just been really busy with planning Frankie's wedding," Ron said taking the butterbeer from her. "Allie said that Frankie is keeping them on their toes."
"I bet she is," Luna smiled. "She's going to be such a beautiful bride. And no one plans a wedding better than our daughters do."
"You didn't do so bad when you planned ours," Ron said grinning at her. "They probably got that from you."
"Maybe," Luna leaned against him. "Want a bite?"
Ron shook his head. "No, I mean I did make that for you and it would be a shame to....well, one small bite, if you don't mind, that is..."
Luna laughed as her husband managed to stuff half her sandwich in his mouth at once. "I hope you made extras for your daughters," she teased.
"I made a club one for Maddie," Ron said pointing to the plate on the counter. "And two turkey on wheat for Drew and Darla. I look out for my girls."
"That you do," Luna looked at him dreamily. "I knew you would make a wonderful father Ron."
"I wasn't always so sure," he said smiling at her. "But falling in love with you was the best decision I ever made. Everything else sort of fell into place from there."
Luna beamed and pressed her lips to his.
"See what we walk in on?" a voice at the door made them break apart. "Told you we should have waited awhile Drew."
"There are my girls!" Ron said turning around and rushing toward Darla. Drew hung back a little and Luna noticed that she looked a little pale.
"Hi sweetheart," Luna said giving her a hug. "We've been waiting for you!"
"Sorry we're a bit late," Drew said. "I sort of slept in."
"We're just so glad you're here," Luna smiled at her daughter. "Look at your hair- it looks so cute!"
"I can't believe she cut it," Darla said. "How many years have she and I looked exactly the same and then one day out of the blue, she comes home with it just like that..."
"It looks gorgeous," Ron said. "Both of you look fantastic."
"Thanks Dad," Darla gave him another hug and then moved towards her mother. "You look great too Mum. You haven't gained a stone!"
"Me and your Aunt Hermione have been going for walks on the beach in the morning," Luna said.
"And they're probably gabbing about me and Harry the whole time," Ron chimed in.
"You'll never know," Luna returned. "Your father made you both a sandwich in case you're hungry girls."
"I'm not very hungry," Drew said pulling her bag across her shoulder. "I think I'll just take a kip before dinner..."
"Sweetheart you just got here," Ron said his brow creasing. "And you look pale- perhaps you should head out onto the beach. Maddie said she'd come in so she can visit with you both."
"I will later," Drew said. "I'm just really tired. Darla and I have been really working ourselves to the bone for Frankie and I think it's finally caught up with me."
"All right," Ron said, still concerned. "I'll set something aside for you in case you're hungry later."
"Thanks Daddy," Drew said giving him a hug. She felt tears welling up in her eyes and she wanted to get upstairs quickly.
As soon as she was gone, Ron looked over at his other daughter. "Is there something going on with her? Is everything okay with her and Paul?"
Darla bit her bottom lip. She'd promised Drew she wouldn't say anything to anyone about what had happened. "I can't really say, Dad."
"But Darla if something's wrong with your sister..." Luna began.
"Mum, it's not my place to tell you," Darla said. "She made me promise. She's not in any trouble, at least not..."
"Darla," Ron said evenly.
"Dad I'm sorry," Darla replied. "But it's really not my place okay?"
"We wouldn't ask you to betray your sister's confidence," Luna said quietly. "I just hope that both you girls realise that you can always come to us."
"I know that," Darla replied. "She knows it too... just promise me no one will hassle her okay?"
"We won't," Luna promised. "Why don't you go put your things away and then come back down for lunch?"
Darla nodded. She wanted to check on Drew anyway. "Same room as before right?"
"Right," Ron replied.
Drew picked up her bag and trudged upstairs. It was pretty quiet and she figured everyone was down on the beach or in town. She knocked gently on the bedroom door. "It's just me, Drew."
"You can come in," Drew said quietly.
Darla opened the door and saw her sister sitting on the window seat.
"Mum and Dad can tell something's wrong," Darla said as she set her bag down on the old twin bed.
"It's rather hard not to," Drew replied in a sardonic tone.
Darla sat down beside her. "I'm glad you didn't stay at home. You've been spending way too much time shut in your room lately."
"Well I'm sorry," Drew got up off the seat. "I just went through one of the worst experiences of my life. All I want is to be alone or to work- it helps me keep my mind off things."
"I'm just trying to help Drew," Darla said gently. "I'm worried about you."
Drew's eyes filled with tears again. "I'm sorry- I don't mean to snap at you Dar. I'm really glad you've been here these past few weeks."
Darla quickly got to her feet and hugged her sister. "I wouldn't be anywhere else, you know that. I just think you should talk to Mum and Dad about this. I wish you'd have let me owl them when you went into hospital..."
"I just didn't want anyone else to know," Drew said. "And then with Paul just breaking things off that way..."
"He's a bloody bastard," Darla said angrily. "He's lucky I didn't strangle him with my bare hands after what he did. Just when you needed him most, he decides to walk away. He's nothing but a coward."
Drew didn't respond, only wiped her eyes with a tissue.
"I promised you I wouldn't tell anyone and I won't," Darla said. "But I wish you'd reconsider telling Mum and Dad."
"Maybe," Drew replied. "I just want to kip right now."
"Okay," Darla said. "Do you want me to stay with you?"
"I don't want to take up all your time," Drew said softly. "I know you were looking forward to spending time with the family."
"I am," Darla said. "But I can't have too much fun if I'm worried about my sister the whole time, can I?"
"You always worry about me," Drew said with a tiny smile.
"Well I am the BIG sister," Darla pointed out. "I have to look out for you."
"By about two minutes," Drew replied. "That's all."
"Two minutes makes a world of difference," Darla said with a grin.
"Will you come wake me up in about a half hour?" Drew asked, moving her own bag off her bed and flopping down on it. "I'd like to see my brothers and sister this afternoon before we all gather for dinner."
"Of course," Darla said. "I'm going to have lunch with Mum and Dad. Then I'll come up here, wake you up and we'll both go down to the beach and see everyone."
"All right," Drew gave her twin another hug. "Thanks Dar. You're the greatest."
"So are you Drew," Darla said hugging her tightly.
When she went back downstairs again, she laughed as she heard the familiar sounds of her three brothers bickering.
"You could chew with your mouth closed," Josh chastised Jon and R.J.. "I don't hold it against him because he's still a kid, but you Jon..."
"He's still a kid too," Darla said coming up behind them.
"Well I'll be," Jon drawled. "If it's not our long forgotten sister, who thinks she's too good for us."
"Not hardly," Darla said giving him a hug. "You can blame your sister-in-law. She's a slave driver."
"Maddie told us Frankie's been keeping you both busy," Josh also gave his sister a hug. "Where's your other half?"
"She's a little knackered," Darla replied, which wasn't' really a lie. "She wanted to take a kip before we went out on the beach."
"You two just got here," Jon pointed out. "You haven't even gotten to see little Ronnie Jr. in action with his girlfriend yet."
"Shut it Jon," R.J. said throwing a crisp at him.
"Oh so Alexa's here too?" Darla asked winking at her little brother. "Where's she at now?"
"She and the brat went into town to do some shopping with Aunt Hermione," R.J. said.
"The brat?" Darla asked confused.
"R.J. and Saffron have sexual tension," Jon smirked. "They've been at each other's throats since they got here."
R.J. glared at his brother.
"I thought you fancied Alexa," Darla asked.
"I do," R.J. said. "Jon's just being a bloody wanker. Alexa and I are still together and as good as ever. Her best friend just needs to mind her own business."
"I'm still confused," Darla said looking to her father for help.
Ron shook his head. "Don't ask. You're better off not knowing."
"I'll just have to ask Saffy when she gets back," Darla said with a grin helping herself to the sandwich her dad had made for her. "Dad, you are the best. No one can make sandwiches like you."
"No one eats them like Dad either," Josh cracked.
"Maddie gives him a run for his money," Darla said.
"That's right, I do." Maddie smiled as she came in the back door. "Hi Darla!" she hugged her older sister.
"Hiya Maddie," Darla said smiling at her.
"You look great," Maddie replied. "And I know how busy Frankie's been keeping you and Drew. Where's she at?"
"Upstairs kipping," Darla replied looking away from Maddie.
Maddie looked at her sister a moment as a feeling of intense sadness flooded her mind. "What happened to her?" she asked in a whisper. "She's sad about something isn't she?"
Darla frowned. She'd forgotten about Maddie being a seer. "I-I can't say," she said echoing Maddie's tone.
Maddie didn't push her. "If either of you wants to talk..." she offered quietly.
"I know," Darla said smiling at her. "She's just...she's had a rough time recently, Maddie."
"I know," Maddie replied. "I mean... I can just tell."
"You always can," Darla said touching her sister's arm. "Even when we were kids..."
"You look great though," Maddie changed the subject. "Did you know Ethan and I are celebrating our first anniversary today too?"
Darla felt bad. She'd been so preoccupied with what had happened with her sister that she'd not kept up with the rest of her family. "That's great Maddie."
"He's really fantastic," Maddie said with a smile. "He won't tell me what's going on; just that it's a surprise tonight."
"Will Drew and I need to start planning another wedding?" Darla teased.
Maddie turned pink. "No not yet," she said, taking a bite of her own sandwich. "We've only been together a year Darla."
"I know," Darla said. "I was only joking. But you know that Drew and I would love to plan your wedding seeing as both our brothers saw fit to go it alone..."
"Hey!" Jon said defensively. "You were in school when I got married."
"And Liz and I didn't want a fuss," Josh finished.
"Besides," Jon said with a wicked grin. "You might be planning ickle Ronnie's wedding before you do one for Mad Dog."
"Who would marry that wanker?" Saffron asked as she breezed in carrying two shopping bags.
"Any girl," R.J. boasted. "But there's only one I'm after." he grinned as Alexa came in with Hermione behind her.
Saffron rolled her eyes. "Hey Darla! When did you get here?"
"Just a little while ago," Darla gave the younger girl a hug. "Look who's blossomed, Ms. Saffron Grace. You're a right heartbreaker!"
Saffron grinned. "Thanks Dar."
"Thanks Dar," R.J. mimicked.
"Shut up," Saffron gave him a dirty look. "Can't you chew with your bloody mouth closed?"
"Can't you chew with your bloody mouth closed?" R.J. repeated with a wide grin.
"Grow up, honestly," Saffron said, her nose stuck in the air. "Come on Lex, let's go try on our new clothes."
"Maybe she wants to stay here and eat lunch with me," R.J. said. "Since I haven't seen her since breakfast."
"So you see her all the time," Saffron shot back.
"Saffron Grace," Hermione warned. "We talked about this..."
"You can be nicer too R.J.," Ron chastised.
"She started it," R.J. shot back.
"Stop it," Maddie replied. "Both of you are acting like children."
"Are the four of you still going out tonight?" Ron asked.
"Going out?" Harry asked. "What's this about?"
Saffron suddenly became sugary sweet. "Well you see Daddy, Sean and me wanted to go out for dinner tonight, and so did R.J. and Alexa. So we thought you know, since we're teenagers and quite responsible, that we'd go into town for a few hours this evening."
"I wouldn't even go across the street with you," R.J. said callously as he left the kitchen.
"Well you don't have to go!" Saffron hollered back.
"You're not going on a date with some boy all by yourself," Harry said stubbornly. "You're 15 years old, Saffy. And much too young to go on a date alone..."
"Afraid the young bloke in question won't be able to control the monster in his chest?" Ron asked nudging Harry.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Harry asked, raising his eyebrow at his friend as Hermione turned away to hide her laughter.
"I read this book once where this bloke said that was how he felt when he looked at this girl," Ron explained.
"I don't know what's more amazing," Harry said. "You reading a book or somebody actually saying that..."
"Shut up," Ron said, stuffing a biscuit in his mouth.
"Can we please get back to the question at hand," Saffron asked pleadingly.
"I don't know about this," Harry said. "I know I told you I'd be lenient, but I think you're too young to be dating some bloke your mum and I barely know."
"She'll be with R.J. and Alexa," Hermione said. "And Sean seems like a nice boy. We ran into him and his parents this morning while we were shopping, Harry."
"R.J. just said he didn't want to go," Harry pointed out.
"Alexa can get him to change his mind," Saffron said. She didn't look forward to spending the evening in R.J.'s company and she knew the feeling was mutual, but if he had to be there for her to see Sean, well she was prepared to deal with that.
Harry looked at Hermione for a moment. "All right," he relented. "ONLY, only if you four stick together. I don't want you going off alone Saffron."
Saffron grinned and hugged her father. "Thank you Daddy! You are the best!"
Harry shook his head. "You're growing up too fast for me." he smiled at his daughter.
"You're still taking me out on the boat later though right?" Saffron asked. "You promised."
"Sure, sure." Harry replied. "If you're not too busy for your old man."
"Never too busy for you Daddy," Saffron said kissing him on the cheek. "Mum, you're coming too right?"
"Of course sweetheart." Hermione smiled at her daughter.
"Great," Saffron said. "I'll just go and put my things away and then we can go."
Harry chuckled. "All right."
Ron shook his head. "Those two are pretty vicious with each other," he said, crumpling an empty crisps bag in his hand.
"It's just a phase," Luna said. "I'm sure they'll make up soon. They always do."
"I feel sorry for Alexa," Hermione said quietly. "She's rather caught in the middle of all that. I'm sure it's not what she had in mind when she agreed to come on holiday with us."
"We should have warned her that we're not exactly known for peace and quiet on our holidays," Harry said with a laugh.
"Well that and I think she's happy to spend time with R.J.," Luna said. "She's really a delightful girl."
"Maybe Ronnie Junior's wedding will be the next one Drew and I plan," Darla said laughing.
Drew had heard the footsteps past her door and heard Saffron talking with someone. Hopefully the commotion downstairs had calmed down. She quickly changed into her swimming costume and threw on a cover-up before going downstairs.
"Drew," Luna caught sight of her daughter in the hall. "I'm glad you're up sweetheart."
"Hi Mum," Drew said quietly. "I couldn't really sleep."
"Were we too loud?" Luna tucked a strand of hair behind her daughter's ear. "I'm really worried about you darling."
"I'm fine really," Drew lied forcing a smile.
Harry and Hermione excused themselves to get ready to take Saffron out on the boat.
"You know you can tell me and your father anything right?" Luna asked. "Drew we love you so much. If something's wrong, we want to know if we can help you." she reached for her daughter's hand and squeezed it.
Drew felt tears welling up in her eyes again and for a moment she though about telling her mother all about what had happened. She'd just opened her mouth when Lizzy and Josh came in the back door.
"Josh," Lizzy said laughing. "You are hovering again."
"Well you've only got a month left," Josh objected. "I want to make sure you don't need me for anything."
Drew's eyes fell on her sister-in-law. Lizzy was expecting. In less than a month, she'd have three babies. Drew let go of her mother's hand.
"I'm...I'm sorry," she said shakily. "I can't..."
"Drew," Luna pleaded. "Please don't push us away."
"I'm not feeling well," Drew said standing up. "I'll be upstairs..."
Darla watched her twin sister run back up to their room and she followed suit. "Drew," she said, closing the door behind them. "Why are you running away again?"
"I shouldn't have come," Drew said picking up her bag. "I should have stayed home, Darla."
"No you shouldn't have," Darla argued. "Drew you need to be around family. This isn't good for you to isolate yourself!"
"I forgot about Lizzy," Drew said with a hollow laugh. "She's having triplets, Dar. And what about me? I've lost everything."
"You have not," Darla took her twin's hands in her own. "You'll always have me Drew. I don't' care if I get married and move a million miles away, I'll be there whenever you need me. And Mum and Dad are the same way! Maddie... she must have... seen something because she knew you were upset without me even saying a word about you."
"Do you think she saw what happened?" Drew asked horrified.
"She didn't tell me," Darla said softly. "But would that be so bad? You'd feel better if you talked about this Drew."
"And tell them what?" Drew asked. "You know how crazy Dad was about Paul. And they'd be so hurt if they knew what had happened. That I...I can't, Dar."
"They wouldn't blame you," Darla said firmly. "Dad may have liked Paul but you're his daughter. His loyalty is to you. And about the baby--"
"Don't!" Drew interjected. "Don't..."
"Drew you have to tell them," Darla said. "I'll stay in there with you if you want me to. But they should know."
"They'll be so disappointed Darla," Drew protested. "And hurt."
"But not in you," Darla replied. "Hurt yes but they won't be angry with you."
There was a gentle knock on the door. "Drew, sweetheart? It's us. Please let us in."
Drew turned even paler and sat down on the bed as Darla opened the door for their parents.
Ron walked over and sat down beside his daughter.
"Drew," he said softly putting his arms around her. "Come here my sweet girl."
Drew felt her father embrace her and this time she couldn't hide her tears. She began to sob harshly into his shoulder.
Luna sat down on her daughter's other side and watched as her husband held their daughter letting her cry. Tears welled up in Luna's eyes as she could feel the pain her daughter was going through.
"What is it Drew?" Ron asked gently. "What's wrong?"
"Tell them Drew," Darla said softly, taking her twin's hand as she sat in front of them.
Drew nodded solemnly. "I don't know where to begin."
"Wherever you want sweetheart," Luna said.
Drew looked thoughtfully at her mother. "Promise me that you won't be mad? I never meant to hurt you or disappoint you Mum."
"You could never do either Drew," Luna said, wiping at her eyes.
"Paul and I," Drew began. "Paul and I---we aren't together anymore."
"What happened?" Ron asked gently.
Drew took a deep breath before continuing. "Three months ago, I found out I was..."
Luna and Ron waited for her to continue.
"She found out she was pregnant," Darla finished when she saw her twin wasn't going to continue.
"Pregnant?" Luna asked taken aback. "But you never..."
"We were both happy about it," Drew continued knowing she had to get this out now or she'd never be able to do it. "At least I thought we were. He was really distant. I think he thought I was trying to tie him down or something. But I wouldn't do something like that. I was surprised as he was and I wanted him to be just as happy as I was about this news."
"Your mother and I would never be disappointed in you getting pregnant without being married first," Ron began but Drew shook her head.
"I know Daddy," Drew said. "But that's not why I'm upset. I was almost two months along when I started bleeding. The healer told me it was normal but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. It got worse and one morning I woke up in incredible pain. If Darla hadn't been there..."
Darla squeezed her twin's hand as tears came to her own eyes. She'd never been so horrified as she had the day she'd had to rush Drew to the hospital and she had never in her life seen so much blood.
"The healer said it wasn't my fault," Drew said quietly. "But I couldn't help thinking that I could have done something to prevent it."
"Where was....where was Paul when this was happening?" Ron asked.
Drew shrugged. "Gone... I haven't heard from him in about five months now."
"And you're better off," Darla said. "Good riddance to bad rubbish."
Ron felt angry as he thought about his poor little girl sitting in a hospital room scared to death and alone.
"He didn't come and check on you? He left you there..."
"Darla stayed with me," Drew said softly. "But... I lost the baby." she closed her eyes as she remembered that moment the healers had told her the infant was gone.
Luna hugged her daughter. "Oh sweetheart. I wish you would have told us."
"I didn't want you to be ashamed," Drew whispered.
Luna cupped Drew's face in her hands. "We could never be ashamed of you. And you did nothing wrong, Drew."
"But I lost my baby," Drew whimpered.
"That wasn't your fault," Luna told her.
"It's that bloody Paul's fault," Ron said angrily. "You wait until I get my hands on him. I'll wring his rotten neck."
"He's not worth it Dad," Drew said. "Believe me- I hate it that things ended the way they did but let him be a wanker with some other girl."
"Well I'm never pulling for the Cannons again until they chuck the bastard," Ron said stubbornly.
Drew managed a shaky smile at her parents. "I'm sorry," she said. "I just didn't want to burden anyone. Darla's been amazing for me ever since this happened."
"You're not a burden," Ron said putting an arm around her. "I've missed you girls so much these last few weeks."
"We've missed you too," Darla said. "After Frankie's wedding we were hoping to perhaps come home and spend a few weeks there with you guys."
"We'd love that," Luna said looking to her husband who nodded.
"I remember a little girl who used to beg me to let her move back to London," Ron said softly pulling Drew closer.
Drew smiled. "Times have changed so much." she said as Ron kissed her forehead.
"Not so much," Ron said softly.
"Your brothers and Maddie are worried too," Luna said. "But if you don't want them to know, you don't have to tell them."
"I probably will," Drew said. "I feel better now that I told you guys."
"You just remember that you have us," Luna said squeezing her hand. "All of us."
Drew nodded. "I think I'm ready to go down now." she said.
"You sure?" Luna asked.
Drew nodded. "Yeah... I'd like to get out on the beach." she smiled at her twin. "Someone told me a few weeks ago I needed to start living again."
"Welcome back to the zoo," Darla said relieved to see her sister smiling again.
"Believe it or not, I didn't eat your sandwich," Ron teased his daughter. "It's still down there if you're hungry."
"I'm starving," Drew admitted.
"That's my girl," Ron hugged her.
*** *** ***
Maddie's mind was still very much on her older sister as she started to get ready for her date with Ethan. That afternoon Drew had sat down with her family and told them what had happened to her and the baby she'd lost. By the time she'd finished, there wasn't a dry eye among the Weasley family. All three of her brothers had vowed to never pull for the Cannons again and started thinking of ways to make Paul pay for hurting their sister.
Maddie had wanted to talk to her sister privately to see if there was anything she could do, but after the family talk, Drew and Darla left for a walk on the beach.
Her sisters had offered to let her use their room so she could get dressed in private and now Maddie sat down at the dressing table, going through her little bag of makeup she'd brought with her.
"I'd use the peach blusher," Drew said from the door. "And with a dress like that I'd pull my hair up."
Maddie looked up and smiled. "You think so?"
"Yeah," Drew gave her a small smile in return. "Need any help?"
"Yes please," Maddie said. "If you're up for it..."
"Sure," Drew said, closing the door behind them. "So you and Ethan have been together a year... I think that's great Mads."
Maddie smiled but immediately felt guilty for doing so. "Maybe I shouldn't go out tonight. You need me and I shouldn't..."
"Nonsense," Drew said. "Tonight is your night Maddie. This is big for you- we all know how long you were after Ethan and now you've got him."
"Yes, but Ethan and I could put this off for another night," Maddie argued. "I wouldn't feel right going out with all that's happened."
"We'll have plenty of time to catch up," Drew sat her down and began combing her sister's long hair. "I want you to have a good time tonight."
"Okay," Maddie said reluctantly. She sat in silence while Drew continued to comb her hair.
"I can't believe how brave you were," Maddie said finally looking at her sister in the mirror. "And strong."
"I didn't feel so much that way," Drew replied quietly. "Especially not when they told me. Sometimes I still feel empty you know?"
"I'm just really glad you had Darla," Maddie said softly.
"Me too," Drew agreed. "She's really great. She's my best friend in the world."
Maddie smiled. Her twin sisters had always been close and even had the habit of finishing each other's sentences. As a little girl, she'd felt a little jealous about not having that same closeness, but as she'd grown up her two sisters had included her whenever they could. She still felt guilty that she hadn't foreseen what had happened.
"So has Ethan told you anything at all about tonight?" Drew asked, wanting to change the subject.
"No," Maddie said with mock indignation. "The little bugger won't even give me a hint."
Drew smiled. "If he's anything like his dad I'm sure it'll be incredibly romantic."
"He's been right smug all afternoon about it," Maddie said.
"I'm sure you'll be going to town," Drew said, using her wand to twist her sister's hair up.
"I think so," Maddie said and then nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard the sound of door slam and they both heard Saffron yell something as she walked back to her own bedroom.
"That didn't sound good," Drew said with a laugh.
"She and R.J. have been arguing about something or other since they got here," Maddie rolled her eyes. "I love them both but honestly- they're acting younger than Ashley and Katie."
"On my way up here," Drew said. "I heard her trying to get him to go out with her and that bloke a few houses down. And he wasn't talking to her and poor Alexa was having to go back and forth and I think even she was getting fed up with it."
"I don't blame her," Maddie replied as she touched some gloss to her lips. "I'd be right annoyed with the both of them."
"Reminds me of those horrible rows that Jon and Josh used to have when we were all kids," Drew said shaking her head. "Do you remember that time that Jon was convinced Josh had taken his broom? And Jon wasn't talking to Josh and so had me and Darla running subterfuge?"
"Barely," Maddie giggled.
Drew laughed. "You were around two at the time. I guess you wouldn't really remember. They fought all the time. Still do."
"Tell me about it," Maddie replied. "That was the nice thing about you and Dar. The two of you never really had any rivalry."
"We never really have," Drew said. She finished with Maddie's hair. "What do you think, Miss Madeline?"
"That looks lovely," Maddie said, peering in the mirror. "Thank you Drew." she hugged her sister.
"You look lovely," Drew said giving her a hug. "And you promise me you won't think about me at all tonight."
"I promise to have a good time," Maddie replied. "Ethan and I always have fun together."
"And you come and wake Darla and me up when you get back and tell us all the details," Drew said giving her one last hug.
Maddie laughed. "What if we don't come back until four in the morning?" she teased. "Shall I come in here and jump on your bed?"
"Yes," Drew said laughing. "If you don't, I'll never speak to you again Maddie."
"All right," Maddie giggled. "And if I don't, I promise to give you details at breakfast."
"Happy Anniversary Mads," Drew said giving her sister one more hug.
"Thank you," Maddie replied. "And tomorrow, maybe you, me, Dar and Mum should do something together."
"I'd like that," Drew said. "If you're not too tired that is."
Maddie laughed and grabbed her bag before heading downstairs to meet Ethan. He was sitting on the sofa with his back to her. A smile spread across her face as she came up behind him.
"Happy Anniversary," she said tapping him on the shoulder.
"Hey!" he grinned. "Mads you look gorgeous!" he gave her a kiss.
"Frankie helped me pick out the dress before we came here," Maddie admitted. "And Drew did my hair. But look at you...I always love it when you wear a suit."
Ethan handed her a red rose. "Had to clean up well for my girl." he replied.
"Thanks," she said happily. "Are we ready to go?"
"I'm ready if you are." he said. "I know you're really just dying to hear what we're doing tonight."
"I'm ready," Maddie said eagerly.
"Great," Ethan helped her drape a light shawl over her shoulders and they headed out. "I thought we'd start at a restaurant in town and have a nice dinner." he said, taking her hand.
"Will you let me eat some of the things off your plate?" she asked pulling her sweetest face. "It is our anniversary..."
Ethan laughed. "I suppose I could let you nibble, but only if you promise to return the favour later on."
"I think that could be arranged," she said squeezing his hand.
They arrived at the restaurant and they were seated quickly. "Did you want some sparkling wine or did you want to risk champagne tonight?" Ethan asked.
"I think I'll risk it with some champagne," she said with a wink. "We are celebrating."
"Right," Ethan ordered some and the two of them perused the menus. "Order anything Mads. Sky's the limit tonight."
Maddie looked at her choices. There was something on the menu that she'd never ordered before, but it was quite expensive. "I think I might try the lobster if that's okay."
"Anything you want," Ethan repeated. "This is a really special night Mads."
Maddie grinned over her menu at her boyfriend. She couldn't agree more. "So what about you? What do you think you'll be getting?"
"I'm not sure yet," Ethan replied. "The chicken parmesan sounds fantastic. We could split some calamari too if you want."
"I've never had calamari before," Maddie said.
"You know what it is right?" Ethan asked.
"Squid?" Maddie asked.
"Right," Ethan said. "Believe it or not, it's actually quite good."
"Reminds me of the Giant Squid at Hogwarts," Maddie said giggling.
Ethan snorted. "All right... maybe calamari isn't the best thing to order."
"It's okay," Maddie said. "It's not like you asked for Cornish Game Hen. That would make me think of Dolly..."
Ethan laughed. "I remember that night."
"That wasn't half as bad as the time my dad went to the States and came back with all these sweets for me," Maddie said. "And there's actually this candy called pixie sticks in America. I cried for nearly two days when I thought someone had ground up poor pixies like Dolly just to make sweets..."
Ethan was laughing so hard he had tears in his eyes. "Mads you are too much!"
"I was just very sensitive about those things," Maddie said laughing.
"Right," Ethan chuckled. The waiter delivered their champagne and they ordered their meals then sat back. "All right, here's one of your surprises for this evening..."
"One of them?" she asked in surprise. "Ethan..."
He pulled a small box out of his pocket that contained the sapphire earrings he'd bought for her. "Happy anniversary," he said softly.
Maddie opened the box and gasped. "Ethan, they're beautiful!"
"They match your eyes," he said.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"I told you I wanted to make you happy," Ethan reached for her hand. "I know we hit a bit of a rough spot over the past few weeks but now we can just concentrate on us."
"I know," she said. "I never want anything to come between us."
"I don't either," Ethan squeezed her fingers.
Maddie smiled. "It's hard to believe that we began over a year ago, isn't it? Officially, I mean."
"I know," Ethan agreed. "And I'm really glad we moved in together. I can't believe it's been almost six months since we did that."
"Time really does go by fast, doesn't it?" Maddie said before taking another sip of her champagne.
"Sure does," Ethan agreed.
Dinner went by quickly, and they were both feeling a bit light headed from the champagne they had consumed. "Ready for your next surprise?" Ethan asked, his arms around her as they left.
"Of course," Maddie replied. "What is it? What is it? What is it?"
Ethan laughed. "We have to go back by the house," he replied.
"We're not chaperoning R.J.'s double date are we?" Maddie said giggling.
"Hell no," Ethan snorted. "It's just you and me tonight Maddie Molly. No interruptions will be tolerated." he grinned at her.
"I like the sound of that," she said giving him a kiss.
He kept his lips pressed to hers. "I love you," he murmured when they broke apart.
"Love you too Ethan James," she whispered.
"Come on Maddie Molly," he said once they'd arrived home. "It's over this way..."
Maddie was feeling so happy and light-headed as she allowed Ethan to lead her along the way. "Ethan? What have you done for me now?"
"Surprise," he whispered into her ear as they came into that same clearing where they'd laid when he first told her he loved her. Now there was a blanket set up in the middle and a few candles floating right around the edges.
"I know you're probably not really wanting more champagne, but it's a smaller bottle." Ethan said.
Maddie hugged him tightly. "You are the greatest. Do you know that? I just can't believe how incredibly lucky I am to have you."
Ethan grinned. "I'm lucky to have you too Mads."
They couldn't have asked for a more perfect night. Maddie sat down on the blanket and watched as Ethan poured them both a glass of champagne.
"Thanks," she said softly when he handed her a glass. "What should we toast to?"
"I can think of one thing," Ethan replied. "To us... may we have many, many more nights like this..."
"And may our friends and family be happy and safe," Maddie said thinking of Drew.
"Right, and to hell with the rest of them right?" Ethan teased, brushing his glass against hers.
"I was being serious you prat," she said with a mock glare.
"So am I," Ethan leaned in to kiss her.
Maddie smiled as she closed the distance between them and pressed her lips to his.
The champagne was quickly forgotten as their kisses heated up. Ethan remembered her words from a few days before and was careful about where he was letting his hands wander.
Maddie fought off the instinct to tell him to stop. She'd told him she would trust him to know when to stop and she intended to keep that promise.
"Is this okay?" he asked softly, seemingly able to read her mind. "If this starts scaring you--"
"It's perfect," she said looking into his eyes. "I trust you."
He could tell she meant that. "Okay," he whispered.
Maddie didn't know if it was the champagne which was helping her relax more or the fact that she had finally spoken to Ethan about her fears, but she did know that being with him felt right and she wanted to be as close to him as possible.
He began to let his hand creep up her chest, his fingers itching to touch her skin. "I want you so bad..." he murmured in her ear before moving his lips down her neck, suckling lightly.
Maddie shivered, but didn't say anything. She knew exactly how he felt. She was thinking the exact same thing.
He was glad her dress was a two piece as it enabled him to slide his hand up and stroke her soft, warm skin.
Maddie's breath caught in her throat as his hands explored her skin.
"I can't even begin to tell you how amazing you feel," Ethan's breath was hot against her cheek.
"Come here," she whispered. "Kiss me..."
Ethan did as she asked, pressing his lips back to hers with a new urgency. He took her hand with his and placed it on his chest, guiding her palm over his abdomen.
"W-what are you doing?" she asked softly.
"How does this feel?" he asked her.
"Nice," she answered truthfully.
Ethan grinned at her. "Just nice?"
Maddie giggled. "Better than nice. Give me a break, it's a little hard to think straight at the moment."
Ethan laughed too. "You a bit pissed?"
"A little," she admitted. "But I think it's more to do with you and what you're doing to me."
"Okay," Ethan said. "That's... good to hear." he leaned in and kissed her again.
"I love you so much," she whispered as he kissed his way from her mouth to her neck to her shoulders.
"I love you too," he said softly, peeling back her strap to kiss her shoulders. His left hand went back under her top to touch her skin, and this time he moved his fingers up to brush against her breasts.
Instinctively, Maddie arched against him.
He sucked in a breath as her arms wound around his neck, keeping him close. "Oh God Mads..." he whispered.
"I love you," she whispered against his skin.
This time he couldn't answer her as she began to move his hands back up under her top. "Can I touch you?" he wasn't sure at first if he'd uttered the words aloud.
"You already are," Maddie said but then she realised what he really meant. "Oh...."
"If it's too uncomfortable for you I understand," Ethan said, looking right into her eyes.
Maddie looked thoughtfully up at him. "I-I'd like you to."
A smile spread across his face as she reached down and slowly pulled up on her top.
"I am a little scared," she admitted. "But not of you, Ethan. Never of you."
He nodded. "I'm glad," he replied stroking her hair off her forehead. He helped her pull the top off and he kept his eyes on hers as his hands caressed her.
"Ethan," she breathed.
"Still okay?" he asked, his fingers touching the clasp of her bra.
"Still okay," Maddie replied without hesitation.
Ethan kissed her again, even more passionately than before. He could feel her heart beating rapidly as he moved his lips down again, this time kissing the valley between her breasts.
Maddie closed her eyes and felt her doubts and fears fading away. He wouldn't hurt her or push her to do anything she didn't want to do. And it made her love him even more than she already did.
He took her little moans as a means to continue, and his fingers fumbled just a bit with her clasp.
"Yes," Maddie managed to say.
Ethan peeled the bra back and immediately moved his mouth over her breast, flicking his tongue to make her gasp.
Maddie bit her bottom lip to keep from screaming out his name.
"Mads," he grunted as he kissed her again.
"Hmm?" she asked.
"You... are... amazing..." he breathed.
"I feel the same way about you," she said cuddling up close to him as the wind nipped at her skin. "So happy, so loved, so safe."
"Good," he said, kissing her other breast.
Maddie whimpered and buried her face in his shoulder.
Ethan kissed and stroked her as his hands moved down, almost unknowingly back between her legs.
Maddie knew exactly where his hands were going. She locked eyes with him and gave a slight nod to let him know that this too was okay.
"Okay," he whispered, sliding his fingers into her.
"Ethan," she gasped.
"I want you to know what this is like," he said.
"It's...mmm," Maddie said. "Amazing."
He stroked her even harder, his mouth and fingers teasing her body until she stiffened and clenched around him.
"I didn't know I could feel like this," she whispered.
"It's pretty..." Ethan almost felt as dizzy as she did that he was able to bring her to feel so good.
"Fantastic," Maddie said smiling up at him.
Ethan kissed her gently, stroking her hair that had fallen out of her twist. "I love you," he said.
"I love you," she whispered. "Happy Anniversary."
"Happy Anniversary," he echoed.